When is the right time to euthanize your pet?
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2021
- Dr Jones' Free book www.veterinarysecrets.com
Dr Jones gives you some guidance assessing when may be the right time to euthanize your dog or cat.
Dr Alice Villalobos Quality of Life Scale:
pawspice.com/q-of-l-care/new-...
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if you’re reading this, blessings, for you and your pet or pets, always listen to your dog, always, he or she knows best
❤️ my dog scored 34. He said if it’s 35 or above, she’s not ready for euthanasia yet. So my dog is very borderline. I think she has more time but not a lot more.
What if you dont know what the dog wants? I have to put my 14 year old bulldog down tomorrow an i keep trying to convince my mum not to do it but he has leg pain an athritis 😔 butive had him since i was 9 an i really want him to go in his sleep but he still cuddles me every night like a puppy i feel so guilty cause i dont knkw if its the right decision... I hate life right now
My Troy was having issues mobilizing for the last few weeks. Yesterday, he was staring at me and making some wolf sounds than he retrieved himself far away from me lay down facing the wall giving his back to me. At that moment I felt I was kissing him. Yesterday, he couldn’t stand up and was dragging his paws when we tried to help him as we’ve been doing. But his legs were giving out and tried to beat when his back legs were touched. My heart broke and I took him to the vet. He was out down to sleep at 6:57PM. He left so quick 💔
I’m having my beloved boy, Sherman, euthanised, this afternoon. He is 15 years old, has cancer, and I simply don’t want to see him suffer. I will miss him so much. I have epilepsy, and he has been at my side so many times. I owe him so much. I love him very much.
I'm so sorry.
My heart is with you I just lost my bengal kitty due to cancer.
We’re at the end with our almost 15 year old lady and we’ve been on and off as to whether it’s time over the past year. I feel for you and hope you’re doing well.🙏
@@JoeFidler The heart break of losing a pet never goes away.
@@ratter531 ❤😢
I pray for all the hurt dog moms and dads out there❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Thank You,
It’s so unfair that animals live for such a short time. Too much time is never enough time spent with our pets.
Too many pets die too early because of vaccines & cancer from dogfood. I've had 2 cats live to 20yrs old & die of old age.. not problems
We live longer,because we are the ones in need of all that time,to learn how to love.History shows us,some people never learn how.
O totally agree. But I had a rescue dog. A staff. And I fed and watered her organic water no addatives no chemicals all natural. And I still have her but now at 20!!! She would make 21 but life quality is not great. Eating sleeping and moving sleeping it's her kidney and get A constipated and a bit of dementia but eats and sleeps drinks great. But 20 years of you treat them right. BUT 20 years is not enough
@@carla89cc I have been doing a raw food diet/health and nutrition for all of my pets for 30+. I agree with what you said, but there are caveats to what you posted. It takes 3 generations to weed out all the maladies. If your like me and adopt or take them right off of the street, than you dont know anything about their genetic disposition or what crappy food has been fed for at least 3 generations. Sometimes despite all the right care and feeding problems will arise. I can attest to this with almost all of my pets. I did waaaaaay more in all areas and still each of them had issues. My kittys have lived into their 20's but did not die of old age per se but did develop health issues that eventually progressed to a point that Euth. was the only way out of suffering. I have a dog that had forced vaccines before I could adopt him at the shelter. Sadly those vaccines destroyed his spinal cord. They said (after 20K of diagnostics) that he would not live for more than 3 years. I replied "you dont know me very well" He is now 15yrs old and thriving. But he has always been on a raw food diet 'program'. It is structured to mimic the wild. He and all my pets have thrived on this diet for sure. Anything in a bag or can is dead food and will not serve your fur baby well. Most are lazy and cheap with the right feeding but just remember this **You can pay now for real food or you can pay later with disease and death**. You make the choice, it is all on you.
Depends on the animal, you can get a tortoise, they live more than humans.
On Monday (5/20/24), I had to put my dog down. She was nearly 13 yr old. I'm 74. She slept with me on a couch at night (initially, by my mid-section [when on my side facing her] or my upper back, if facing away from her; then she'd move to other end of the couch during the night. She'd be with me during my afternoon naps too. Why a couch, you'd ask... because my wife likes the white noise of fans in the bedroom. I hate the fans, lol. My loving friend (Sophie) spent more time with me than anyone (person or animal). The decision to put her down was heart shattering for me (and my wife and sons). Last night, I was awake most of the night thinking and quietly crying at the couch. Today is no better. Sophie was the 3rd dog that I had put down over many years (40+ years). The pain of such a loss gradually fades away, but the remembrance of them never fades. Sophie's brother (Jasper) is also near 13 yr old (same litter). He knows that something has happened to Sophie and looks for her around the house. Jasper whimpers at times, perhaps feeling a sense of loss. The love of one's friend (dog) and their love for us helps us through the difficult journey that life is. I thank Dr Jones for uploading this video which allows me to express my hurting heart with tears in my eyes here, and hopefully helps me and my family to move on and look forward to days ahead while always remembering our loving friend, Sophie
🙏
I feel this way right now and my heart is in pain
I had to put my 14 year old boxer down today. I’ve never cried so much in my life. Watching this makes me know I made the right decision although my heart is broken right now. Rest In Peace my sweet Hammer❤
9 month later, i hope it feels better for you, i'm thinking about putting my cat down, and i feel so guilty just thinking about it
Also nine months later: I just passed the 9th month without my 13-year-old girl, so we lost our fur babies about the same time. With mine, I had no choice. Her loss of mobility was sudden and unexpected. Still feel guilt even though she was terrified by being unable to stand/walk. A big girl at 110 pounds, I feel most guilty about not being able to be on the floor with her because as she left me. I'm 80 and disabled. I know she understood. Still missing my baby so much.
Our family poodle just died, he lived to eighteen years and we are devastes and was suffering even though we did what we could,I even stayed a week home ,bathing ,carrying like a baby, at night checking every time it was hurting,it was so painful,our lovable play ful pet,lying down with all strength going.We decided not to ever own a pet.😢
This is one oh the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through, just breaks my heart 🥹
I am watching this bawling.
Because no matter how much you know it's the right thing to do....the guilt in ways takes you over in waves.
It's coming up to the one year mark of when I had to help my beautiful girl transition to her next adventure....and at 14.5 years old.....I know we had thousands of beautiful adventures, moments etc. From 6 weeks old, we were rarely ever apart.
And I still feel guilt and I question myself, but I know that I did the best for her.
It was peaceful at home in her favorite spot and she was dreaming.
Thank you making this video because it helps me to know I did the right thing....and I hope it can help other parents.
I'm so sorry. I'm also sitting here crying my eyes out because I had to make a hasty decision which I still question. 😞
I feel you pain😥
You made the best life for your pet, you couldn’t do anything more. You both had a great life together and loved every second of it, you couldn’t wish for anything more.
I am so sorry 😢 I know the pain you feel🙏🏻❤️
I am going through the same thing right now. Tears running down my cheeks. I feel like I betrayed her. That I could have done more. I miss her so badly.
I’m in tears 😭 trying to make that horrible decision
My dog was 16yrs old when I took her to the vet and had her euthanised. She was deaf and almost blind, she’d be ok one day and the next day she was a bit down. As soon as she stopped enjoying her food I knew I had to make the decision. Prior to this she would be happy when I got home from being out and would run around me wagging her tail. She then got lethargic and would stay in her bed, I knew it was time. I was heartbroken that I had to take my baby to the vets to be euthanised. I stayed with her holding her until she was gone, she knew she was loved right to the very end and had no fear. RIP Lola I love you.
That was responsible, not to let her suffer unnecessarily. No doubt, Lola knew you loved her. 💞
I am in that same situation. My soon to be 18 year old toy poodle has been mostly deaf and blind for a couple of years and wears a diaper. She has good days where she will still run around the coffee table for fun and bad days where she is shaky and her dementia kicks in. She sleeps a lot but still enjoys her treats and eating. When that part stops I know I will have to make that final decision.
Oh man I am so sorry for your loss. This sounds just like my dog. She’s 16 can’t really see or hear and wears a diaper. She sleeps all day. Doesn’t have joy, doesn’t like to walk, and is losing weight. And sometimes she just stares at the wall or stands on the wrong side of the door or walks in my closet walking all over my shoes, instead of walking to her bed. And she isn’t interested in playing and doesn’t wag her tail or anything .I think it’s coming time for her to pass.
I’m definitely connecting with your story. I just don’t want to play God
Today is April 18th, 2024 at 9:36 AM EST. Tomorrow, on April 19th, at 11 AM EST, we are having our sweet little boy Pickles put to sleep at home. He was born on May 9th 2007 and has been the love of ours live for my wife and I. Thank you so much Pickles for your love, laughs, and teaching mommy and daddy so much. 🌈🐶♥
❤
RiP to sweet Pickles.
Today is Saturday June 1 2024, and found out yesterday our dog has lung cancer. I've never had a dog that was my soul dog, I've loved them all, but this guy - our bond is so different and he has very few days left.
This video is super helpful
@@tamieverett3443 Our most heartfelt sympathies to you. Pickles was our soul Jack Russell Terrier, the absolute light of our lives. I believe both our dogs and we were blessed to have been able to love each other.
@@tamieverett3443 I pray for you both. Be strong in their final moments. Hugs and kisses as much as you can. Jesus will carry you. He can call a thousand angels to uphold you in this terrible tribulation.
I had to put my pup of 11 1/2 years down this afternoon. His name was Rooney. He was a chocolate lab, and the sweetest boy ever. It was the first M, mobility, that got him. His hip dysplasia progressed, and he had several hip dislocations in the last few weeks. This of course led to the first H, hurt. He was in constant pain, especially when getting up and using the stairs. He maintained an appetite, and drank plenty, and he put on a happy face, but I knew he was suffering. I feel so guilty because his mind was still so sharp, and he was so eager to please and eager to love. I fought myself all week, telling myself it's too early, try to scrape out another birthday with him. In the end, the vet agreed it was time. I'll love and miss you forever, Rooney.
how are you doing? my dog had hip dysplasia too. im so sorry for your sweet boy. i lost mine 4 days ago and i am a broken mess because im feeling i let my baby go too early, as he still wags his tail and still ate, still drank lots of water. im in the stage where i wish i can have my baby back because i feel i let him go too early i feel so much guilt i feel like dying..
@user-nd9ck5xg3v I'm also a mess. I still cry at least once a day. Today I've cried 3 times. I struggle with those same thoughts. I can't believe I chose to make the phone call to schedule his death. He's dead because of me. It's so hard to convince myself that it was what's best for him. That's what we have to do though.
You and I made that decision out of love. We love them so much that we didn't want them to suffer another day.
If it helps, my vet said "it's better to do it a little too early, than a day too late." And I agree. There's love, and then there's selfishness. We shouldn't prolong the misery of our babies to give us happiness for a few more days or weeks.
@@taylorharris4273 i feel same as you, i havent stopped crying when talking about him. im crying now writing this.
your dog sounds like a sweet beautiful boy just like mine. your baby knows how much you loved him. you're right we have to live with this forever.
it will never be easy but i hope we can get through this guilt and only remember the happy moments
@@taylorharris4273 the vet said my dog had lots of problems but never once suggested bloodwork, or mri scanning. thats what haunts me everyday. its eating me alive that i never tried hard enough and failed him at the end.. money was never the issue..
This is such valuable information. I will never allow my pets to suffer when, ultimately, there’s no hope for a cure or relief.
It’s not done for my convenience, but because I know they trust me to put them first. It’s a pact we made the moment I took them in as part of our family, forever.
Thank you, Dr. Jones
Thank you for this. Well said. It is always a hard decision. I chose to euthanize my little boy even though he scored at least a five on each of the hospice scale. There was no good outcome and he had an inoperable liver tumor. I will question it til the day I die, but I would rather suffer a few more days of not having him than to see him suffer more and more. IT IS A PACT that we have with them and it’s a pact that we honor with our heart. He would have done anything to protect me and keep me safe and when I was sad he was always there for me, even when he was sick he was trying to comfort me because of my sadness about him. It was my turn to protect him from pain. ❤️
Very well put
👍👍👍👍
I had to have this done twice this year but I could not bear to see my sweet pup of 14 years suffer my heart is still broken but I loved him enough not to see him in pain.
Sorry for your loss. It's never easy!
@@shihtzuluvrtwo6386 how kind you are I take it you love Shih Tzu's after the loss of my first pup my daughter was driving home from work and thought she nearly hit a rabbit so she stopped and pulled over and she found a matted dog she brought it home and said guess what I found I got up and said what ever it is it needs a bath and we cleaned him up and here was a skinny Shih Tzu we searched for his owner for about a year and then after no one claimed him we kept him he is a pure breed and that was three years ago he is now called Gizmo I never would have gotten this breed because he does take a lot of beauty prep but he is so sweet.
God bless u!
Same here. My Apollo passed peacefully at home by euthanasia. In his favorite place with those who love him. He knew why they were there and was ready. Osteosarcoma. 6 months from initial discomfort to end. Final week progressed quickly.
@@juliehenderson1672 Nasty cancer. Sorry for your loss😥 One of mine had it too, its terrible.
Came to this point with my dog that passed this month in my house and it was sad to watch. Should have put down sooner, was going to on that Monday coming up.But my vet never said hey your dog is dying, may be you should consider to put her down. Wish some vets would just be a little harsh and truthful and not so hopeful. I've gone through all the could of would of should of. But just going to keep all the happy 12yrs of my little shihtzu in my heart and memory instead of the very end of her life. At least we were together till her last breath and beat of her beautiful heart. RIP Star 🌟
I’m dealing with my 18 year old cat that has been diagnosed with untreatable cancer. I’ve been searching the internet for answers and advice as to what to do, and must have watched 50 videos from different vets and pet owners. I have to say that this video is the VERY best and most helpful of all of them. Thank you.
The senior Lab we took from the shelter is good. He sleeps most of the time but he’s happy, eats, drinks & always looks forward to Friday night treats. He’s 15 & thriving.
Euthanizing your pet is never easy. Admitting to yourself that you need to let your beloved pet go is so hard because they've become a part of you. This is especially true for older adults who rely on their pet for companionship. Euthanizing an animal is often referred to as the last kindness we can give, and it truly is. Some health conditions can be managed with medication or surgery but for others, it's a temporary fix. I had my cat "Miss Kitty" for nearly 17 years. I found her when my husband first went into the military, and I was alone a lot of the time. She was my constant companion and helped me to feel less lonely when he was deployed or gone on a training exercise. I was working for a veterinarian so one of the perks was free pet care. I saw a lot of very sick animals come in and I knew what signs to look for. Most cats die from renal failure and so when she started having urinary problems, I knew it was the beginning of the end. She couldn't get to the litter box and would urinate all over herself. She stopped grooming herself and I had to move her food and water next to her pet bed. She'd stopped eating. When I took her into our vet, they said they could give me a little more time with her by giving her fluids in the hospital, but I knew that was not going to fix the problem--it would only prolong the inevitable. She was dying, she was painful, and I knew it. I loved her too much to allow her to go on like that. I held her while the doctor administered both shots and she finally breathed her last breath. Every person that walks into a veterinarian has a special relationship with their pet and no one can really tell them when to let go. But it's always best to encourage people to extend that final kindness if their pet is suffering.
I did not have my white German Shepherd euthanized at the end of her life- she was 15 yrs old. She seemed out of pain and able to eat at least a little the last 2 weeks. She was so alert and responded well to the baby pool baths, warm water therapies - she followed me with her eyes all day. She seemed determined to live. If things had been different I may have done it. Everyone was advising me to but I am glad I did not. I don't think she suffered until the last hour. I had pain and heart meds to keep her breathing easy and rested. She was like a person. She was communicating with me and responding until the last hour. I took off everything inn my life to stay home with her that last month. I'm glad I did. I miss her so much.
I was a registered vet tech for 15 years and I saw so many people put themselves first..their poor pet suffering but the owners just couldn't let them go...its not easy,but u have to put your pet first...I have 15 cremated pets in my home..do u think it was easy making that decision..hell no..each one was heart breaking but I didn't want them to suffer..I put each one first, not my breaking heart...
I'm suffering. Wish you could put me down.
@@WW11110 go to Canada 🤷♂️
@@WW11110 I hope things get better very soon. You matter and you have a place in this world. God bless you
This is so heart wrenching and tormenting no matter the decision 💔 Never a good time to say goodbye to a family member 💔 😢 🙏
This made me question my decision to euthanize my JRT. I think there are different circumstances and maybe this scale does not apply to all. My little guy scored at least a five on all of those points, but his quality of life was such that I knew he was uncomfortable and only staying alive for me. When diagnosed he had a rapid growing baseball size tumor on his liver. When I decided to euthanize him this past Wednesday it had grown so large and he was filled with so much fluid that it looked like he had swallowed a grapefruit although he had no weight on him anymore. He was still happy to see me and his tail would wag, he was becoming increasingly picky with his food but he was eating, his breathing was starting to become shallow and/or rapid, he would groan when he laid down and rather than stand he chose to lay down most of the time because of the size of that tumor. The night before I decided, he woke up in the middle of the night and he was disoriented and staggering around, but the next morning he perked right back up. The vet said it was probably blood liver toxins/ammonia that caused him to do that. I love this dog with all of my heart but I could see his quality of life declining every day and he was having trouble going to the bathroom and I was having to give him more and more Metamucil. He was miserable until he would go. He used to eliminate three times a day and it was down to one time a day. I chose to reduce his suffering because I couldn’t stand the thought of him being in pain if he became completely blocked. I asked the vet about it and I wanted to know if he still had more time… days, weeks? His response was… days if that. So I feel I did the right thing as there was no good outcome and I would rather suffer my pain of losing him a few days early than to see him suffer.
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I feel your pain. My dog too has liver growth. I feel we will put him to sleep in the next week. It hurts so bad but I can’t let him suffer.
I have had to make this gut wrenching choice too many times in the past 2 years 😢😢😢😢😢🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.. Lap of love came to my house and reassured me it was time.. So hard and heartbreaking 💔 I miss you Vito, Ruby and Cupcake… l hope you guys are all running free with no pain and no cancer.. I love you ❤️
Our senior dog has had a few scary episodes over the past four months. We thought we might have to euthanize him back in June, but he improved, and now he's mostly back to his old self. What helped me decide not to make that decision at the time he was so sick was that he still had his tremendous spirit and was still wagging his tail. I knew he didn't want to go yet. I'm glad I waited because he did get better, although he still has several age-related issues that we manage. The day he loses his big, happy spirit, I will know it's time.
Thank you so much!!!! I needed this
@@KuroiTenshi18 Glad it helped. Also, two years later, and our dog is still alive and doing pretty well. Sometimes they surprise you.
Over the years, I so struggled with this.
I always felt like I was playing God. I always waited for the last minute for euthanasia which in turn made me feel bad because they suffered. I loved my fur babies so much and hope I see them again.
Don’t let it go that far.
I feel the same way about euthanasia. I know my dog's quality of life is no good, but I feel so guilty making the decision because who am I to be playing god, to be deciding on life... you know... :'( it's so hard.
Just wanted to say thank you, today was a "not-so-good" day and we were wondering if it's time, but based on all the factors, we will keep trying to make her as comfortable as possible until the time comes so say goodbye to our 16-yearl old friend
We said goodbye this morning to our baby Zoe. She was a beautiful little rescue puppy that came into our lives 19 yrs ago. My husband and I have euthanized all our rescues with hesitancy because we always questioned whether we or not we were doing the right thing. I feel we beat ourselves up over the decision because we struggled to say goodbye. It was always extremely difficult but in the end, we knew our babies were at peace. With Zoe, we prayed so much for God to take her peacefully and allow us to be with us here at home. He answered our prayers today. We are so blessed but are absolutely heartbroken over her passing. We were given so many years with her. We have wonderful memories of our sweet baby. Fittingly enough, as we laid her to rest, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," began to play. It was one of the most heartbreaking and happiest moments of our lives. RIP Precious Zoe....you were so loved.
In my experience, your heart tells you when it's time, if you are considering your pet & not yourself. You cross a threshold & you just know.
Wonderful. This is a saved vid. This is something that's been on my heart with my dog who will turn 14. You've given me a guage. Thanks 😊.
My bubby is in hospice care for the last week. He's okay now . Thank you for this video . I know when he goes thru another episode of not being able to get around and is just lethargic ... I will do what is best for him . This video made me feel so much better about myself. This video gave me the information I needed .
Well my boy was put to sleep last Friday. I held in my arms told him how much I loved him and thanked him for bringing us so much joy to our lives. I sang his little song to him that I made up just for him .
I know how much you love him
5 H's:
H-Hurt: Is there adequate pain control?
H-Hunger: Is your pet still able to eat?
H-Hydration: is your pet still able to drink/get hydrated?
H-Hygiene: Is your pet clean, free of fecal/urine contamination?
H-Happiness: Is your pet happy/responsive to see you?
2 M's:
Mobility- Is your pet able to move around? How mobile?
More- Is there more good days than bad days? Or the other way around?
I was actually researching this topic in the last hour and I appreciate your posting
If it’s not reeeealy obvious then it can be so difficult to determine. They are all individual creatures and it’s always different for each one. One elderly blind & deaf dog I had, it was when he began walking in circles, that helped me decide. The last elderly deaf dog I had (also had cancer) to put down, her back end went down and she could no longer stand on her own and it scared her, plus the pain. Good advice Dr. Thank you!
Can you share more about the circles? My 18 year old dog is doing that incessantly and I’m trying to decide what to do. She scored a 37 in his scale. She can’t go in walks anymore as she drags her back feet and bloodies up the top of them doing so… so she has a pen with a soft rug and the house but spins in circles all the time!
I'm having to make this choice RIGHT NOW for my 14.5 year old shar pei lab mix
🥺😥
Me too. I’m taking my old staffy, Sherman, this afternoon. I’m beside myself. Absolutely devastated.
Going through this right now I don't know what I do without my dog
Losing my 16 year old dog Tobi in the next few days. I got him in sophomore year of High School and I'm 31, almost 32 now so he's been with me half of my life. The last few years have been a struggle: blindness, deaf, joint pain, no longer played ball which he loved, he'd pace around in circles and whine sometimes at night. We had some bad days before but he always came back from them. He still enjoyed walks(I'd direct him past obstacles/guide the leash and he would walk as if he had sight, a seeing-eye-human lol) and food and some playful puppy energy popped up every so often. My mom tried to get me to euthanize him several times before over the bad days but I held on and he did too.
Now he hasn't eaten(he seems interested but loses attention and spits the food out or clenches his jaw), drank much, or pooped in about 2 days, walks around inside but sits/lays down/falls outside, and just sleeps nonstop. I bought a syringe for baby food and water intake but he's even turning away from that so.. it's time. We're having at home euthanasia and he's being cremated afterwards :c
EDIT: After trying the syringe a few more times he began drinking the water and eating the baby food(nogu nido by nestle and a strawberry banana organic brand). He bounced back little by little and even ate and sought out a quarter pounder and ice cream i bought him. later than that he walked around and ate on his own.
cancelled the euthanasia a day before it happened and hoping he's back on track for a while longer with us.
I wish I had had this last May. It was a torturous decision to decide when was the time for my dog to be put down. And still, several months later, I am battling with it within myself if I put her down too soon. By May 15th it was more bad days than good days she was having. That, coupled with the realization that the care for her and the many problems she was having, was becoming more than I could physically keep up with. She was going down hill fast at that point waking me every 2 hours, seizures, loss of bladder /bowel control, refusing to drink on her own. I made the appointment and May 26th she was put down. I am devastated still, and having a hard time dealing with the loss of her. Coupled with the inner war of did I do it at the right time has made this process near unbearable. This list may have eased some of my stress and self-doubt in the decision-making.
It sounds like you did the right thing. Especially if she refused drink on her own. Maybe that was her way of saying “It’s time for me to go”. I think a lot of it is the guilt we feel over things we think we should have been able to do or predict. Even if those things were impossible.
@@festivus4405 Yes, I think she stopped drinking because she had to urinate so frequently. It was kidney failure. I bought medicine syringes to be able to keep water going in her once I noticed she was not drinking anything all day long. She fought so hard to keep up with me. Always following me from room to room. Some days even wanting me to play fetch with her. The day that broke my heart was when she followed me into another room and as I looked at her a few feet away patiently sitting and waiting for me, I saw tears running down her face. I just took her face in my hands and cried. She was fighting so hard to stay here with me. How humbling to know she loved me so much that she would put herself through anything to be by my side. I hope I was worthy of that love. I have been crying all day today. This video got me going, and I can't seem to turn the tears off today. :/
@@Whisperwomaneq2 💙
You did the right, proper and humane decision.
Reading your post I think it wasn’t too soon. Refusing intake is the line… besides better too soon than too late.
For my first cat, I had to euthanized I felt so guilty doing that. And last Wednesday my other baby die of Lymphoma and I also felt guilty not putting her to sleep. I think the best way is to put them to sleep at your home with love ones.
Dr Jones you are an amazing person so full of knowledge and wisdom. I have learned so much from you since I began watching your videos. Honestly, you by far exceed all vets that I have seen for my dogs. You have a common sense approach and this is extremely valuable. Please keep your channel of information open to continue helping pet parents. My name is Nettye a resident of Houston Texas.
From my experience....when they are in pain, lost all lust for life and just miserable....that's time.
Thanks Doc, it’s a hard subject for sure. I remember Lewis and you sharing the journey, appreciate it all. This is hard for us as Grandma just passed and the holidays and I know many suffer and struggle with this. I wish they could all go naturally and more easily but often that may not be the case. Bless you and yours and all you do, praying your holidays this year was good. Always enjoy Tula’s Tuesday. Prayers to it all.
I’m crying but this was very helpful
Thank you Dr Jones, this really helped on the hardest decision ever. Thank you
Thank you so much. This was so helpful. You are truly a compassionate doctor.
Thank you Dr Jones and bless you, 🙏🙏🙏 put my 20 year old beloved cat Frodo down a month ago and I’m totally heartbroken and racked with guilt! Having pets is both a blessing and hard! They give you so much joy and love!
Great video. Had to do it to our 2 a year and a half ago. Were just blessed with 2 new rescues ❣️
LOVE YOUR COMPASSION AND LOVING GUIDANCE...IT'S CALMING AND PRECIOUS
Knowledge is so important! I've had to do with 2 of my 6 dogs over these last 25 years. Glad I knew the signs and knew it was time.
Im watching this today knowing i have to make a decision for my 15 year old dog.Its the worst feeling ive ever had . Feel like im giving up on him.He would never give up on me ,but i need to make the correct decision. Im so thankful for videos like this that put things clearly into perspective.
My heart breaks cuz I have to put my 15 yr old yorkie to sleep on Friday, apart of me wants to just try and make him comfortable,but my heart knows he’s in pain and I can’t keep hearing him scream out in pain every now and again..although he still eats and is so excited to see me, but he has arthritis in his right front leg. Don’t want it to get worse…so i pray 🙏🏿 lord take care of my baby.
This was ACTUALLY helpful. Thank you.
Bless you all who are having to ask these hard questions, it hurts, I know.
Thank you for being very thorough about this topic because it is the hardest thing I ever had to do, and it’s a Saturday and I don’t even want to wait two more days it’s harder seeing her like this.thank you for al you do! You have helped me every step of the way I just wish I could actually find a vet like you that cares and more natural approach 🙏😟
This is very difficult to even just think about.
Thank you Dr. Jones for helping so many of us wondering when is it truly okay to go through with this.
Your video not only educated us but also informed us that we definitely need to weigh out several factors before coming to a conclusion but always keeping our fur babies and their best interests at heart. Thank you for putting this together for us! God bless you Dr. Jones!
My dewey was just diagnosed with spindle cell neoplasm sarcoma. Fortunately he is doing well with the medications he's on but I know the time will come when I have to out him down when his quality of life comes to an end. I'm so very heartbroken. Thank you for making this video.
Idk where you live, but if you’re in the US in a relatively populated area there are vet services that can come to your home to euth. They also can handle cremation, taking a final paw print, etc. Just letting you know in case you didn’t.
How is your Dewey doing?
@@AlejandraRodriguez-kg5vz I'm sorry to say Dewey crossed the rainbow Bridge in Jan. It was so very hard to let him go, but he got to the point of not eating or drinking and very hard to walk anymore. I knew it was time but was hoping our vet would say different, he came in the room with the news thats its time. Dewey gave me kisses on me cheek and wiped my tears away before they gave him the meds to let go. I held his paw and told him mommy loves you so very much. I think he knew before I accepted it that it was his time. I believe he tried to hold on for me, which proves unconditional love.
Thank you for sharing.. it's come time to make this tough decision. I wish I had more time but my baby boy is just getting so uncomfortable and medication isn't managing his cancer like it was. He's laying around more than getting excited and it's so tough to see him not doing the things he used to love. This helps to reassure me I'm not doing it too soon or too late and I appreciate all the information you've shared.
Omg I just held a kitten while it died. 4 hrs it took after we found it dying. Prob a month old. It was horrific. I wish that there were free veterinary clinics around for instances like this. I had absolutely no money I could put towards getting it euthanized. And it desperately needed to be. It was having seizures the last hour.
I do hospice care and this was more horrific than anything I’ve ever dealt with.
Thank you for being so kind and informative about this subject. This decision is always so painful no matter the consition
I want to thank you immensely for this video. I am circling this decision for my 16 1/2 year old cattledog Phebe. A hospice vet came to my home 7 weeks ago and said, "not quite yet" based on her happiness level. I had asked her to assess the situation and to be honest with me. The scale offered here is really helpful. She barely passed, but also I am scoring her condition with alot of pain meds on board. My main issue is that my younger cattledog, at 14 years, is experiencing physical decline as I hospice the older one. At what point does the health of my younger dog become a higher priority than hospicing the older? Tough one.
My 7 year old German Shepherd has Osteosarcoma - Bone Caner. We found May of 2022. It is very sad, and he’s been doing great ever since but since end of October, & November I’ve seen him go down meaning he bleeding a lot more from the side of his mouth where the tumor is located. But thankfully he’s still very playful, eats and drinks plenty of water so that’s all good signs! The only bad signs is the nonstop bleeding and the eye bulging that he recently started having beginning of November. I feel like this video helped what to do but it’s still a really sad and hard time. Sometimes you don’t know what to do. Because I want him to live and be here forever. And wish he wasn’t suffering from this.. it’s sad, no pet deserves this and not mines! We’re giving Rex the most happiest, healthiest life and however long he is still here we’re forever grateful and when he isn’t with us anymore. I know he will be in a better place with God & my other dog
Thank you so much for this video!
We as a family now know that we made the right decision. Much strength to those pets still fighting to recover!
You’re most welcome!
Thank you for this valuable information.
My dog is not ready to leave this earth yet, but I know his time is short. I’m happy to say I’ve done everything I could for him. He is still going as strong as he could. I hope he still has at least 6 months with us, but only time can tell.
Wishing the best to everyone here ❤
You are welcome- this is always a hard time
Thanks doc, sounds like you have a similar guide as with doc Villalobos and some of your other peers.. It truly helps knowing that you folks are all are on the same page when we're searching for the right thing to do.. Been up with my Bully all night scouring YT listening to his labored breath when just yesterday I thought he rallied.. Gabapentin and Galliprant carried him the last year but seems are no longer effective..He has his senses and the heart and that makes it even the more difficult..
Thank You Folks For All You Do!
Update!
The swellings almost gone.He ate around 10 pm last night after I gave him some Benadryl and baby aspirin for the swelling and pain (also gave him milk thistle to protect his liver and kidneys)I didn't find out what bit him and still don't have a clue.I did find a speck of blood a couple inches above the top of his nose but it wasn't tender or swollen to the touch.I would had to shaved it to see if they were puncture marks but decided it was unrelated to the swelling on the right side of his mouth anyway.He's eating again and appears to be making a fast recovery !Thank you for your prayers!
* I just found my Basset with one side of his mouth and jaw swollen and he's in a lot of pain if I touch him.He won't even lay down. I gave him a cup of plaintain tea I had frozen in the freezer hoping it is will help.He drank it all down. We don't have a vet .COVID caused our vet to close one of his offices and the other ones impossible to get in.I wish we had one good as you! I'm praying my dog is ok!
Thank you for bringing this up. I’ve been trying to figure this out. So again thank you🙏
Very helpful Dr. Jones it is always hard to let our pet"s go but when they bring us so much joy we can only lessen their suffering by easing their pain and I think they know that it is time for us to help them as much as they helped us in joy, a bittersweet journey, love your pets as much as they loved you, just don't wait too long Annie 2001 / 2021 sweet cat no more pain miss her terribly
Thanks Doc Jones. In our small town I would like to use this scale on one of the posters we place around here in shops, for people to see this chart. This is such a gut-wrenching decision for all of us pet owners. I've personally faced death several times, and I'm ready to go. But making that decision for our pet, that's so hard. Note: I will say how this info has been obtained, using your channel and Dr Alice Villalobos Quality of Life Scale as the reference. Unless I hear back from you, I will use it with your permission.
Thank you. It feels like I've had a heart attack. Engulfed in sadness. Now establishing new routine with my healthy 9 year old dog. She is depressed too and will not lay or sit in his favorite spots.
This presentation made sense and was very practical. Provoking rational thought about this process helps to not make snap decisions to either proceed or not to proceed. The categories as outlined made very good sense. Thank you for underscoring what I already knew but have been too emotional and wrapped up in providing palliative care to give good thought to.
Thank you this has helped me.❤ My dear boy, a Shih tzu x Pom., is 20 with dementia and arthritis. He's blind, deaf and very recently his legs have been collapsing under him. Though his appetite is good I now realise his quality of life is poor. I have to let him go. 😪
Thank you. A wonderful message and guidance. It us never easy but your eyes and Heart know when it is time.
This is a wonderful video. It's a dreadful topic for pet lovers, but so useful. Thank you Andrew.
Thanks for this information. I really appreciate your work. God bless!
I lost my best friend tomcat to cancer some time ago. Had a biopsy done and he was in pain after. Never would have done it if I had known how his last week would have been. He was completely normal before I took him in for drooling, that was cancer. I had a vet come to my home for his safe place comfort. Family around with me holding him. Hardest thing I ever done.
Took him for cremation with instructions his ashes and mine to be spread together in a peaceful wooded area.
It’s heartbreaking to make the decisions, I’ve had to make that many times on my dog’s (cancer) has won 😢 but I have always tried everything to help my dog’s life ♥️& with the help of my vet.my loved dog’s are gone But never FORGOTTEN 😢♥️
Thank you Doctor 🥺❤️
You are the best doc......wish I had a vet for my dogs like you....thanks
Thank you this really helped making my decision easy.. For now anyway! but my springers legs are not far off giving up on him..its just pure motivation and will to live that keeps him moving..
My wife and I made the decision to have our French Bulldog put down on the
27 th , 2023. The reason is that we took him to the emergency pet clinic in Kirkwood Missouri and told them that he was having a really difficult time trying to urinate. Like last Wednesday he was trying to go to potty outside and he just couldn’t go pee. So we we’re seriously getting worried and the vet took X-rays of his abdomen and discovered that he was basically almost stopped up with gollbladder stones. So I asked can you please take them out and she responded that it’s a very serious issue and a very expensive surgery. So she personally said that she was unable to do the surgery and recommended that we take him to VSS in Manchester Missouri which I did and the emergency pet clinic sent them the X-rays and the doctor explained to me that yes they could save his life but they said that the surgery is going to be between 5 to 7 thousand dollars and depending on how serious things were once they opened him up that it could go up to as high as 10 thousand dollars. I literally almost swallowed my heart, I couldn’t believe it. So I asked her if I decided to proceed with the surgery could she assure me that the problem would be resolved permanently. Would he not have anymore gollstones and she said no. She indicated that he could actually get them again like another year or two years from now and then again I would have to pay another 5 to 10 thousand dollars for another surgery. So there was no way that I could afford to do all of that. And my personal veterinarian said that there was no way that she could or would do the procedure. So during all of this time Fletcher was still not able to go pee and I really felt bad for him. And I didn’t know where to go or who to ask for help because everyone was unwilling to do the surgery and they all kept saying that VSS was our only option. So I didn’t want him to suffer. And our veterinarian said that if we didn’t put him down that he was going to die a horrible death. Because as you know, everyone has to be able to urinate and if you are unable, then it’s going to be a very bad situation. Unfortunately we decided to put him down. And as a result i now feel like I murdered him. I feel like I’m the one who ended his life. After driving all over the metro area trying to save his life, only to be told that unless you have a ton of money to pay for his surgery then you’re just out of luck. I know that surgeons have a lot of overhead but that’s just ridiculous. 7 to 10 thousand dollars for a medical procedure that only takes about less than a hour is ridiculous. So when Fletcher was given the shot he went to sleep and then he was gone. That was the most terrible experience of my life. Seeing my puppy permanently go to sleep. My wife and I cried. Even now while I’m sharing my thoughts, I’m beginning to cry all over again. Fletcher mommy and daddy still love you and we’ll never forget you.
RIP FLETCHY. Makes me angry because there wasn’t anything that I could do for him
Great, well put together video!! Thank you!!
I would like to provide a different viewpoint from a veterinarian who helps dogs and cats to transition on a daily basis: Life is a precious thing and ending ]\it should not be decided by a number determined by a Quality of Life check off list that is fraught with the possibility of errors in deciding what number to attach to each category. These lists are, in my view, recipes for euthanasia, a process that has become so common place, it’s the first thing pet caretakers and veterinarians think about when a pet is diagnosed with some ominous malady, or gets old. There is no oversight for euthanasia. It has become the “normal” thing to do, and to put it bluntly, we are determining it’s time to take a life with no input from the creature we are deciding for. I have seen many animals live much longer than the veterinarian’s cancellation date, and I have also seen many rally when the appointment has been made for euthanasia. I continue to provide in home transitions for pets when the pet family is resolved that it’s the correct approach for their pet, but I now coach pet families on how to allow their pet to choose its own time. It’s an arduous emotional journey for either decision and, I believe, it should not be decided by an outside source or a check off list, but by the pet’s caretaker based on their intuitive attachment to their pet and when they have been correctly counseled on what is transpiring and what to expect. Our pets are not emotional about their decline and they adapt extremely well to age and illness. They are also very good at dying when it’s allowed. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation in regard to how to determine when it’s time for the pet’s demise, and a dearth of information on allowing a natural passage because it would be “inhumane” to do so. There are an incredible number of factors that can affect an elderly pet’s ability to function within its environment, many of which can be changed or improved to help. One of the major problems for the sick or old pet is the type of flooring in the home. Wood, tile and laminate floors contribute significantly to the pet’s inability to walk or get up from a prone position. I can’t count the number of phone calls that I have received where people believe the pet needs to be euthanized because it can’t get up. Why? Because they are on a slippery surface that makes it impossible for them to stand when their feet keep slipping. In my experience, nearly 100% of elderly large breed dogs will develop a neurologic syndrome that is not recognized as an age related disease in veterinary medicine. It’s a mirror image of what is seen in elderly people who develop peripheral neuropathy and involves decreased nerve transmission to the rear legs (initially), resulting in severe weakness over time. Most people, and many veterinarians, believe it to be “horrible” arthritis. It’s not, although arthritis can be contributory. It’s also not treatable. Over 90% of cats over 12 have some form of arthritis that can affect their ability to use the litter box. They need a low profile box with no cover so they can get into and out of it easily. Many of the new “green” litters are uncomfortable for the old cat to stand on, and those with scents are devastating to the cat’s olfactory system. Just making a few changes may stop them from going outside the box. Whining, moaning and other forms of vocalization are usually cognitively associated and not related to pain as many people and veterinarians believe. The same is true for panting in dogs. I could go on and on, but this is not the place to do so. Many, if not most reading this, will disagree, but I have copious amounts of experience and research that have changed my views on end of life decisions for our pets. My advice: Be careful that you are not being “talked into” euthanasia. It should be your decision and yours, alone. Do not go on the Internet to see when it’s time. Whatever you read, in most cases will tell you that you should proceed. Remember, you are deciding to end a life, one that is contributing to world’s life force along with yours.
I appreciate what you've written here. Thank you for your compassion and appreciation for life. God bless you.
@@a.d.2719 Thank you for your kind words. I believe this information is something every pet caretaker needs to know, but there is so much more to impart.
U must have money and access to medical I am poor and have taken the best of my recurs She we just give them to kill center
Are you crazy?
My pup's only issue is eating. He has a good appetite but picks and refuses things so i am offering 30 things per day. So confused. As long as he eats, he rates well on every point, active and happy. One doc is super negative based in kidney numbers, another doc is positive.
When it's time?! When your pet is ill!! THEN it's time for them to go!My cat was 14 when she got bad kidneys and arthritis! And she was in pain. So then i had to make the decision to let her go! And TRUST ME!!! It's the TOUGHEST DECISION you EVER have to make!❤
These are all of my ways that have used for all of my pet's. Thanks for sharing
Have lost 2 of my Sr rescues in my room. They showed no struggle to breathe or whimpering, even drank just a few hrs b4 they passed. If ur furbaby struggles be humane & put em down. If they’re calm and passing of age they prefer their person. Both stopped eating 2.5 days b4 but, they drank and were super peaceful in my arms. Couldn’t life my arm for 2 months after the 1st but, was able to do the same cuddles w Bella 2 months later (2 days ago) mine could still walk just were to weak to go far. Prayers to all furbaby parents. A Mobil vet is pretty great as well to have on speed dial just in case and make sure they know when u notice changes in ur pet just in case they struggle to get air (put them down so they don’t suffer then)
Thankfully, I did not have to make that decision. The weakened heart valve took her away from us on December 23, 2023 so suddenly just 3 days after the vet visit. But the grief has left a gaping hole in my heart.
My fur baby 13 year old passed away naturally 4 days back who was in pallative care for a month now this information is soothing for my soul
Thank you for this video. I have three senior dogs and this topic has plagued my mind for a while. I don’t think there’s any good time for a pet lover to make that decision, but at least there is a system in place for dog moms/dads to use so that our pets won’t be in too much pain when the time comes.
My heart is broken cuz I'm putting my little old dog down today. This decision was the hardest ones I've had to make but her quality of life is soo sad. Thank you for listening
I'm so sorry.
I unfortunately had to put 2 down this year. One in June, the other in July. The one in June was scheduled as I could see it was time. The one in July will forever break my heart. No time to say a proper good bye after 10 years together. A very last minute decision when his body was over taken by seizures and the effects that came with that afterwards.
I feel your pain. I thought my soon to be 18 year old dog would be the next one I had to make the decision for. But, suddenly, my 9 year old started not feeling well. He was diagnosed with kidney disease. I took him to an internist and tried everything. Within 2 months he went downhill fast. He stopped eating, which was his favorite thing. He didn’t react to me scratching his head even. Then his BUN went higher than ever at 282. I couldn’t let him suffer anymore. This one broke my heart more than any dog I have had before.
@@festivus4405 I'm so sorry for your loss. Glad that I'm not alone. There is some comfort in that.
I’m so sorry your dog was suddenly taken by the seizures. It is quite traumatic. Thank you for sharing your story. I lost mine similarly and was looking for a comment like yours.
Very helpful dr.jones don't stop making videos
This is so helpful. My dog has lymphoma and multiple wounds that are open. BUT he still has quality of life
Thanks Doc. This one hits really close to home right now. My little buddy of 18 years, blind for almost two years, but mobile and doesn't seems to be in pain, but he was just weazing, gurgling a little when eating this morning. At his age I am not going to put him through the stress of a vet visit, have already decided I am not even going to put him through his personbal terror of a bath first. Good advice to consider.
I love this channel and the wonderful advice given I have learned so much. Unfortunately I haven't been able to watch this one. It's a very hard decision to make. I'm gonna keep trying though.
Thank you. I made the decision last week without this scale. It helps seeing it now to know I did the right thing for my little girl
I’m 14 and watching this my dog is a Labrador and she is 15. She has been there my whole life and been my best friend. My parents have been talking about putting her down this week. After watching this video and balling my eyes out the whole time realizing my dog is between a 1-3 in all of these just makes me feel so bad for her. I don’t know how to take this in that I may only have a few days left with my best friend. But I really just want her to be happy.
Big hugs xx
Thanks for your help.
Thank you for this, any pet parent should be able to tell if a pet is not living their best life or in discomfort at the end of life. My dog Gus in the avi developed a bad sarcoma, in june had surgery & at the time of the surgery it had not spread to his organs and he returned to his ornery self. Just 6 weeks post op it returned with a vengeance, growing 3-4 times the original size. The vets & staff were so awesome anytime I had questions. He'd given me so much more than I ever could to him that I wouldn't let him suffer. This week within a day or so, he wasn't getting up, eating but not his normal and would only follow me with his eyes. He crossed in my arms and I'll see him on the other side.
Thank you Dr for so valuable info.
thank you so much for this Doc❤️
Thank you Dr. Jones
I love this Vet. My girls Morkie is struggling as we speak, he lost everything, his site, his Balance, soils himself everything… Earlier this evening he was pacing allll over with a bloated stomach. She decided to make the choice to do it this Morning. God Bless these pups…
Thank you for this wonderful advice.